Carlo Ancelotti spoke in his pre-match press conference ahead of Napoli's opening Serie A TIM game against Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
"Napoli have become more competitive. With Lozano and the other new arrivals, the level of quality in the squad has increased and we're stronger overall than last year. The club has had a very good transfer window and spent big, which I'm pleased about."
What sort of match do you expect tomorrow?
"A difficult and dangerous one. We're up against a side that are on a high with the new owner coming in. They have players who can make life difficult for anyone, particularly in terms of their speed. We'll be playing at a packed-out stadium with a fantastic atmosphere which is perfect for football, but we're very confident in our ability."
"I remember the game at the Franchi last year and would like the team to display the same level of intensity, while maybe managing to get on the scoresheet this time, given that it ended goalless on that occasion, despite the fact that we dominated."
In terms of Lozano, the coach said, "He's a player that we've been tracking for a while and thanks to the club's hard work, we finally now have him here with us. Lozano brings extra technical quality to the squad. He's full of desire and is very excited and motivated to be at Napoli. Those are the characteristics that we like, besides his technical ability."
Which position will he play in?
"Hirving can play anywhere across the frontline: on the left, right or behind the striker. Maybe he can also play as a striker himself. He's a complete footballer with fantastic quality."
Will the league campaign be different to last year?
"We hope so. We want to battle for the Scudetto. I think it'll be much tighter because so many clubs have strengthened. What interests me the most is seeing how we've developed. I'm convinced that we're more competitive than last season and it's down to us to show that."
What mark out of ten would you give Napoli's transfer window so far?
"I'd give it a ten. I'm pleased and we've achieved some key objectives that we'd set ourselves in terms of signings who could strengthen the squad as much as possible."
Now that your transfer targets have been reached, what is the goal for the league campaign?
"I'll repeat, and I'm not hiding from anything, that our target is to battle for the Scudetto. I can't say anything else."
(Photo Getty Images)
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Source: legaseriea.it